Principal Environmental Advisor

at  Ngi Tahu Tourism

PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISOR - KAITOHUTOHU MATUA TAIAO

Location: Christchurch / Ōtautahi
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
Team: Transformation
Reporting to: General Manager - Transformation

KIA HIWA RĀ!

We are seeking a passionate Principal Environmental Advisor to work alongside our Ngāi Tahu Farming & Forestry team! This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on sustainability and environmental innovation within large-scale farming and forestry operations across Te Wai Pounamu.
As the Principal Environmental Advisor, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to weave sustainability into everything we do. This isn’t just about meeting standards - it’s about setting them. You’ll lead our efforts to exceed environmental regulations, promote best practices and contribute positively to our communities. You’ll will strive to:

MŌ MĀTOU - ABOUT US:

Ngāi Tahu Farming (NTF) manages over 100,000 hectares of farming and forestry assets across Te Wai Pounamu. Our operations include large-scale grazing, beef farms, high-country stations, and forestry on the West Coast, Otago, and Canterbury.
We are a thriving organization closely aligned with the values of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, focusing on delivering economic, social, environmental, and cultural outcomes. Our mission is guided by the vision of “mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei” (for us and our children after us), placing Ngāi Tahu whānau at the heart of everything we do.
For more information our farming & Forestry operations check out our website Ngāi Tahu Farming

• Collaborative Success: Partner with our General Manager - Farming & Forestry, Dairy Operations Managers, and Business Development Manager to implement initiatives that align with both our growth and sustainability goals. You’ll also connect with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, industry groups, and local communities, to champion our environmental strategies. Engaging with the Sustainability team and local Rūnanga will ensure our practices honour Ngāi Tahu values, integrating cultural significance into everything we do.
• Compliance and Leadership: Ensure all farming operations meet or exceed compliance requirements, from audit standards to resource consent obligations. You’ll lead the transition to Freshwater Farm Plans (FWFPs) and implement advanced tools like Protecht to uphold the highest environmental standards across all operations.
• Innovative Environmental Management: Drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and best practices, from improving Overseer modelling accuracy to developing long-term planting and water quality monitoring plans that enhance our sustainability efforts.
• Data-Driven Resource Optimization: Use data to guide decisions and optimize resource use, ensuring our farming operations are not only compliant but also forward-thinking in addressing the challenges of climate change.
• Education and Advocacy: Develop and lead training programs for staff and contractors, ensuring everyone is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support our sustainability goals. You’ll foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, embedding environmental stewardship throughout the organization.